Koblenz Court Bars Unregistered Firms From Full-Service Solar Installations

The Oberlandesgericht Koblenz ruled on 2 June 2026 that planning, installation, commissioning and maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) systems are core activities of the roofer and electrician trades and therefore require registration in the Handwerksrolle. The decision arose from a lawsuit against a Rhineland‑Palatinate company that marketed "full‑service" PV solutions without being listed as a roofer or electrician. The lower‑court injunction from August 2025 was upheld, and the court rejected the company's appeal.

The judgment also addressed the company's presentation of customer reviews, finding that it violated the Unfair Competition Act by failing to disclose how the authenticity of the reviews was verified. The ruling reinforces the need for qualified tradespeople, strengthens consumer protection, and provides guidance for trade chambers and businesses in the German solar market.